Inflammation is a normal, healthy function in which white blood cells and various other chemicals protect you from infection and foreign substances. In some instances, this normal defense system wrongly begins or continues an inflammatory state when there are no invaders to fight. In this mode, your body's normally helpful immune system causes damage to the surrounding tissues. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and steroids are often the standard treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions, but these drugs can cause health issues of their own if used for extended periods of time. Safer alternatives may be of interest to patients and doctors alike.
Check with your physician before using herbs to treat any medical condition.
Turmeric
Turmeric is an herb used in cooking, and a staple ingredient in curries and other Asian dishes. Dr. Andrew Weil recommends turmeric for all inflammatory disorders, including arthritis, tendonitis, and autoimmune illnesses. Weil advises taking 400 to 600mg of turmeric extracts three times per day. He cautions that it may be eight weeks before results are fully seen. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, several studies support turmeric's ability to relieve arthritic symptoms. In one study of rheumatoid arthritis patients, positive gains were seen in in morning stiffness, walking time and joint swelling after two weeks of supplementation. Results for patients given non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, or NSAIDs, were similar. Another study tested the efficacy of curcumin, the active component of turmeric, in post-operative patients.They found that swelling and pain were just as reduced in patients taking the supplement as those taking NSAIDs.
Ginger
Ginger has long been used in India to relieve pain and inflammation, and Dr Weil also recommends ginger for its anti-inflammatory properties. He advises taking capsules 500 to 1,000 mg twice a day with meals. A 1992 study conducted at Odense University in Denmark found that patients with inflammatory illnesses experienced relief of pain and related symptoms with ginger supplementation. A full 75 percent of the participants stated that they experienced "substantial relief" after supplementation. A 2005 paper published in the "Journal of Medicinal Food" presents the specific pharmacological properties of ginger that cause it to inhibit several genes that regulate inflammatory response.
Boswellia
Boswellia is made from resin from the boswellia tree, and is often used in Ayurvedic medicine for treatment of joint pain. The dosage recommended by Dr. Weil is two capsules twice a day. Several studies support the efficacy of boswellia for inflammatory condidtions. In a 2005 study published in "DNA and Cell Biology", it was discovered that boswellia changes the expression of a type of cytokine involved in chronic inflammation.
N. Kimmatkar and colleagues published a study in 2003 in which patients with osteoarthritis were treated with either boswellia or a placebo.Those receiving boswellia experienced less pain and swelling and increased movement.
In 2005, M.R. Chevrier A.E. Ryan D.Y. Lee, et al. showed that boswellia works on two fronts. They were able to demonstrate that it aids in reducing cells that promote inflammation while simultaneously increasing cells that suppress inflammation.
References
- NCBI: Ginger and Rheumatic Disorders
- Better Nutrition: Four Herbs to Help Reduce Arthritis Inflammation
- Journal of Natural Products: Turmeric Extracts Containing Curcuminoids Prevent Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Linus Pauling Institute: Curcumin
- Life Extension: Ancient Herb Supresses Inflammation
